Even though the company always made profits, each year is always in a crisis mode. Never had a smooth one where we are satisfied of the work done.
Consequently, there are regular plans to reduce headcount since years + a constant hiring and travel freeze (which is resumed every Q2 after the 1st yearly forecast is done).
Gap closure plans are consistently to be worked on. This is the result of: 1. Pressure on budget and 2. Unorganized processes despite a very central decision oriented company.
No real decision is taken from the regions. They are just there to sell and execute plans prepared by corporate.
There is no real support from the headquarters for the rest of the company. It gives an impression of "ivory tower" where the only decisions taken is how to put pressure on the regions to sell more and save on their budget.
The main strategy of the company seems to be "cost reduction" and budgets are so tight that we generally fail to meet them. It is so strong that employees have the feeling to be a burden and not resources. One person less in a cost center is a relief in the budget and a interior satisfaction for the management (even if the official speech is never a satisfactory one)
Finally, there are regular rumors around the sale of the company. So it is a bit difficult to project in the future. Anyway, we are all so much in a week to week pressure that we never really care about a long term future.
